Monday, 13 December 2010

Gay Outrage In New Zealand - OK To Kiss Sheep But Not Gay Flight Attendants?

Being an Aussie and of course a Wallabies supporter, it's a given that any opportunity that arises to bag a Kiwi (and even better, the infamous 'All Blacks' rugby team) it's a mandate that I must sieze and run with it! - No offense to anyone else intended... this kind of Australia - New Zealand rivalry is a national pastime for Aussies and Kiwis alike.

The latest news to hit the headlines, is the scene that has been scrapped from Air New Zealand's in-flight safety video. The video is specially themed around the country's rugby stars. The reason for the censorship? - the gay community are up in arms over what they see as an offensive gesture by the All Blacks centre, Richard Kahui.

The offending scene starts with a female flight attendant snapping a picture with her cell phone whilst giving Kahui a quick peck on the cheek. Next thing, a gay Air New Zealand flight attendant also asks for a kiss on the cheek and is flatly refused by the player.

According to NZ Rugby Union spokesman about the cut scene, Brian Finn, "It's a decision for the airline. They've kept us informed about it. We won't be commenting on this".

Among the complaints to the airline, was a suggestion from a professor that the video could lead to gay male suicides. WTH?? - watch it for yourself... I don't understand how one thing could lead to another - but then again, I'm no professor!!

Air New Zealand safety manager, David Morgan, said "When we created this video and discussed the scene featuring a gay male flight attendant and a rugby player with key stakeholders, including a number of the gay community, we received none of the feedback we have in the past week... The scene was not something that we, the people we tested the scene with, or indeed the participants in the scene, viewed as distasteful or likely to cause concern".

If you ask me, I think it's a bit of a stretch for anyone to find the scene offensive (gay or straight)... it's all just a bit of fun. But the thing that has left me completely dumb-founded, is the fact that it's ok for Kiwis to kiss sheep, but not to kiss a gay guy on the cheek!! (ok, ok - of course I jest... don't take it to heart. I still love my New Zealand brothers)